Human society and the global economy are inextricably linked to forests. More than 1 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. And forest ecosystems play a critical role in stabilizing the climate; providing food, water, wood products, and vital medicines; and supporting much of the world’s biodiversity.

Despite decreased deforestation rates in some regions, forest ecosystems are still under great threat. According to WRI research, 30 percent of global forest cover has been cleared, while another 20 percent has been degraded. Most of the rest has been fragmented, leaving only about 15 percent intact.

WRI works with governments, businesses, and civil society to sustain forests for future generations. We aim to curb deforestation worldwide and help to restore and reforest already-cleared land.

WRI’s Global Forest Watch initiative uses the most advanced satellite data and crowd-sourced information to track deforestation throughout the world in near-real-time. Our Global Restoration Initiative identifies ways to restore trees and productivity to deforested and degraded lands. Our Forest Legality Initiative works to reduce illegal logging by supporting the supply and procurement of legal and sustainable forest products. And we develop policy recommendations to ensure effective and inclusive governance of the world’s forest resources.

Top Forests Outcomes

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Top outcomes are WRI's biggest success stories. They occur when our analysis, solutions, or partnerships result in significant change in the world.

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This guide was developed for technical advisors to government officials, business people, investors, and others who need to draw on ecosystem assessments to inform decision-making. It assesses several types of ecosystem service modeling tool, discusses issues involved in modeling ecosystem services, and provides guidance on how to choose the right model to address a specific policy question. The guide outlined five steps to help decide which model to use in a particular decision-making context. It especially targets advisors and decision-makers in developing countries who are not experts in ecosystem service modeling and who have limited information and technical resources but must make decisions about natural resource management in relation to ecosystem services.

Indonesia’s Geospatial Information Agency will announce results this week of a competition for mapping the nation’s peat. The winning team will receive $1 million. The world will receive the information it needs to start protecting these carbon-rich wetlands.

A new report by the World Resources Institute and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) reveals that businesses around the world are making money by planting trees, unleashing a growth opportunity for venture capital, private equity and impact investors. The research indicates the restoration economy is at a tipping point.

We empower governments, businesses, utilities, and communities to enhance water security by investing in “natural infrastructure,” like forests and wetlands, as part of a portfolio of smart solutions to growing water challenges.